Novel enhanced catch basin apparatus and process for making the same

ABSTRACT

Novel enhanced catch basin constructions, especially for use with conventional sewers, feature a supplemental maintenance access hatch, which, when combined with a diverter and a sieve-like screen element facilitate ready access to and removal of trash/debris/detritus lodged proximate to an outlet drain or bottom of a catch basin to maintain a continuous flow path and preclude blockage. Readily removable covers for the supplemental maintenance access hatches allow workers, tools or later developed extraction schemes to maintain flow through both primary and supplemental debris collection spaces in catch basins. Methods of constructing and using the same feature these novel mechanisms.

FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE

The present disclosure generally relates to processes for making catch basin constructions. In particular, the present disclosure relates to the provision of novel enhanced maintenance access hatches in catch basin apparatus used in sewer-types of structures which may be disposed simply without adding cost or time constraints.

The present disclosure further relates to catch basin construction processes, apparatus and improvements allowing for ongoing flow while selectively screening undesired elements from transmission to a drain, using access hatch elements.

BACKGROUND OF THE DISCLOSURE

Filtration systems have been known throughout history for blocking ingress and egress selectively. Sewer systems and their related drains are a product of modern society, often having a need to be disposed within, for example, city streets in a metropolitan area. Combinations of these two usually distinct types of systems have yet to adequately address industrially efficient construction processes, products thereby or functionally utile improvements of the same.

SUMMARY

The present disclosure works in conjunction with conventional drainage systems, for example, sewers which drain from the street and catch basin systems. While it is known for drainage systems to work in conjunction with such street based systems, a fluid drainage system according to the instant disclosure uses novel mechanisms to handle any number of types of detritus without compromise to the flow-rate in ways not available prior to the advent of the instant teachings, including for example maintenance access hatches diverters and screen inserts.

For example, by using the combination of at least one diverter and a sieve-element to divide a primary and at least a secondary collection area, the present disclosure overcomes the longstanding need to be able to get between, behind under or in back of the sieve-member and remove debris and detritus by way of a specialized maintenance access hatch permitting ingress and egress, which is easily assembled and installed.

The present disclosure manages the issue of having a continuous flow-path while being able to stem the flow of large pieces of debris, and being able to render those pieces which may become lodged readily removable. This is done in straight-forward fashion, enabling those charged with removing potentially clogging pieces of debris to have ready access to the area proximate to the drain which is at the bottom of the system. According to a feature of the present disclosure there is provided an enhanced catch basin filtration system defined by a sieve element located within the catch basin, for maintaining a flow path from a gutter inlet to a downstream outlet pipe having a mouth. The sieve element has at least one maintenance access hatch located within said sieve member. The maintenance access hatch is sized large enough to allow for maintenance and cleaning equipment to reach through the hatch. Furthermore, the mouth of the downstream outlet pipe can have a variety of locations within the surface area of the catch basin such as the catch basin floor or inner walls. Also, the sieve element can further include an overflow wall.

According to a feature of the present disclosure, the sieve element can have many forms and structures. Including, but not limited to a rectangular frame with perforations or apertures, a basket or container with perforations or apertures. One purpose of the sieve element is to filter and separate incoming debris. This may be accomplished by the sieve element having perforations and apertures so that the sieve element can hold debris while allowing liquid to pass through the perforations or apertures. Thus, the perforations and apertures can be sized accordingly. Furthermore, depending on the user's desires, the sieve element may or may not be fixedly attached to the inner structure of the catch basin.

Furthermore, the maintenance access hatch can have many forms and structures. Including, but not limited to, a lid covering an aperture, a covering, a removable cut-out, a door, a flap, an aperture with a covering, or any other structure that allows access through the sieve element permitting ingress and egress through the sieve element. The maintenance access hatch can have perforations and apertures similar in size to the perforations and apertures of the sieve element.

As known, debris can accumulate below the sieve element or within a drain opening in a catch basin. This can cause blockage and backup of the filtration system. Thus, one purpose of the maintenance aces hatch is to enable a user to remove, lift, turn, slide, open, or otherwise manipulate the hatch so that the user can access the area underneath the sieve element and/or the drain opening. This allows the user to be able to clean out any debris causing a blockage or to be able to prevent an accumulation of debris which can lead to blockage. Accordingly, one feature of the present disclosure provides that the maintenance access hatch is sized large enough to allow for maintenance and cleaning equipment to reach through the hatch.

According to a feature of the present disclosure, the catch basin filtration system can further include a manhole located on the street surface, above the catch basin curb inlet. In another feature, the manhole and maintenance access hatch can be aligned with each other so that a user can easily access the maintenance access hatch from the manhole. Furthermore, the manhole, maintenance access hatch, and the drain opening can be aligned with each other so that a user can easily access the drain opening by manipulating the maintenance access hatch from the manhole. In one feature, such access contemplates the ability to use various maintenance and cleaning tools sized to be able to reach the drain opening or access hatch from the manhole or street surface.

According to a feature of the present disclosure there is provided a process for constructing a catch basin filtration system within a conventional sewer system defined by a street based inlet and an outlet drainage below the street level comprising the steps of providing a sieve element having a maintenance access hatch therein, providing a diverter assembly for directing incoming matter from the curb inlet to the sieve element, attaching the sieve element to the inner walls of the catch basin, and attaching the diverter assembly proximate to the street based inlet.

According to a feature of the present disclosure there is provided a method for providing a continuous flow path with enhanced catch basin apparatus, comprising diverting select portions of incoming matter into a supplemental collection area, collecting incoming streams of large pieces of matter in a primary collection area, opening, removing, or otherwise manipulating a maintenance access hatch and removing desired amounts of the select portions of incoming matter, and repeating the preceding steps.

According to a feature of the present disclosure there is provided a maintenance access hatch which provides access to trash blocking a drain outlet, comprising, in combination a cover assembly, movable from a first to a second position, a locking mechanism, for releasing a removably attachable cover assembly, and each of the cover assembly and locking mechanisms can be operated by human or supplemental mechanical means.

According to a feature of the present disclosure there is provided an apparatus for providing access to debris blocking a drain outlet in a catch basin system, comprising a sieve element located within said catch basin, wherein said sieve element is located between a curb inlet and said drain outlet, a maintenance access hatch located within said sieve element, and wherein said maintenance access hatch is manipulable so that a user can access the debris blocking said drain outlet.

According to a feature of the present disclosure there is provided a catch basin for selectively removing gross particulate matter of a predetermined dimension from a flow path, wherein said flow path travels from a curb inlet to a drain opening located within the catch basin, the improvement comprising a sieve element located within the catch basin and above the catch basin floor. The sieve element filters matter from the flow path and the sieve-element further comprises a maintenance access hatch. A user can manipulate the maintenance access hatch in order to access the catch basin floor and/or drain opening.

According to a feature of the present disclosure there is provided an apparatus for filtering trash in a catch basin, wherein the catch basin has inner walls, a floor, an inlet opening, and a drain opening, and wherein said apparatus comprises one or more conventional support/hatches for securing one or more parts of the apparatus inside the catch basin, a trash collecting container located within the catch basin, wherein the container comprises a filter sheet forming at least part of the bottom of the container, said filter sheet having a plurality of apertures through it, wherein the bottom of the container is located above the floor a sufficient amount to provide clearance for fluid and at least some of the trash to flow along the floor and into the drain opening, and an overflow wall, wherein the overflow wall is a wall of the container, is located between the filter sheet on the inside of the container and an overflow area on the outside of the container, and has a top that is low enough for excess fluid and excess trash to pass over the overflow wall into the overflow area, wherein said excess fluid and excess trash are the fluid and trash respectively that has accumulated in the container beyond a predetermined maximum capacity of the container, a diverter, wherein said diverter is located and oriented relative to the inlet opening for diverting at least some inbound fluid-borne trash away from entering the overflow area and toward entering the container.

According to a feature of the present disclosure there is provided an apparatus for filtering trash in a catch basin, comprising a trash collecting container located and support/hatched by conventional support/hatches within a catch basin, the catch basin having an inlet opening, one or more inner walls, a floor, and a drain opening, wherein the container comprises one or more filter sheets, each of the filter sheets having a plurality of apertures through it, said apertures being of a size and shape that will allow fluid to pass through the filter sheet but block such passage of at least some trash; wherein the one or more filter sheets form at least part of the bottom of the container, and the one or more filter sheets are located above the floor and higher than the lowest part of the drain opening, container walls, wherein the container walls form the lateral bounds of the container and comprise an overflow wall, wherein the top of the overflow wall is lower than the tops of all the container walls that are not overflow walls, and wherein the top of the overflow wall is lower than the bottom of the inlet opening, a relief channel located within the catch basin but outside the container, wherein the relief channel encloses an overflow area and leads to the drain opening, wherein the overflow area is the area into which the fluid and the trash that overflows the overflow wall passes, and wherein the minimum inside dimensions of the relief channel are large enough to allow passage through the relief channel of at least some of the fluid and at least some of the trash that overflows the overflow wall, and a diverter located within the catch basin, wherein the diverter is connected to at least one of the inner walls at a location whereby the diverter will intercept at least some of the trash that enters the catch basin through the inlet opening at a point where it would fall outside the container if the diverter were not present, wherein the diverter is located higher than the top of the overflow wall, wherein at least part of the diverter extends within the lateral bounds of the container, and wherein the diverter is oriented to divert at least some of the trash into the container.

According to a feature of the present disclosure there is provided an apparatus for filtering trash in a catch basin, comprising a trash collecting container located and support/hatched by conventional support/hatches within a catch basin, the catch basin having an inlet opening, one or more inner walls, a floor, and a drain opening, wherein the container comprises one or more filter sheets, each of the filter sheets having a plurality of apertures through it, said apertures being of a size and shape that will allow fluid to pass through the filter sheet but block such passage of at least some trash; wherein the one ore more filter sheets form at least part of the bottom of the container, the one or more filter sheets are located above the floor and higher than the lowest part of the drain opening, and the bottom of the container covers at least seventy percent of the floor, container walls, wherein the container walls from the lateral bounds of the container and comprise an overflow wall, wherein the top of the overflow wall is lower than the tops of all the container walls that are not overflow walls, and wherein the top of the overflow wall is lower than the bottom of the inlet opening, wherein at least one of the container walls comprises a plurality of apertures through it, said apertures being of a size and shape that allows fluid to pass through said at least one container wall but blocks such passage of at least some trash, and wherein at least one of the container walls comprises at least a portion of one of the inner walls, a relief channel located within the catch basin but outside the container, wherein the relief channel comprises an overflow channel and a floor channel, wherein the overflow channel encloses an overflow area, the overflow area being the area into which the fluid and the trash that overflows the overflow wall passes, and leads downwardly and connects with the floor channel, wherein the floor channel runs between the floor and the bottom of the container from the overflow channel to the drain opening, and wherein the minimum inside dimensions of the relief channel are large enough to allow passage through the relief channel of the fluid in a volume needed to match a predetermined requirement for rate of drainage from the catch basin, and the trash of a size and shape that is within a predetermined requirement for trash to be permitted into the drain opening, wherein both of said predetermined requirements are limited by the maximum capacity of the drain opening and its associated drainage system, and a diverter located within the catch basin, wherein the diverter is connected to at least one of the inner walls at a location whereby the diverter will intercept at least some of the trash that enters the catch basin through the inlet opening at a point where it would fall outside the container if the diverter were not present, wherein the diverter is located higher than the top of the overflow walls and at least part of the diverter extends within the lateral bounds of the container, wherein the diverter is oriented to divert at least some of the trash into the container, and wherein the diverter has a plurality of apertures through it, said apertures being of a size and shape that allows fluid to pass through the diverter but blocks such passage of at least some trash.

Briefly stated, novel enhanced catch basin constructions, especially for use with conventional sewers, feature a supplemental maintenance access hatch, which when combined with a diverter and a sieve-like screen member facilitate ready access to and removal of trash/debris/detritus lodged proximate to an outlet drain or catch basin floor to maintain a continuous flow path and preclude blockage. Readily removable covers or lids for the supplemental access hatches allow workers, tools or later developed extraction schemes to maintain flow through debris collection spaces in catch basins. Methods of constructing and using the same feature these novel mechanisms.

Likewise, those skilled in the art shall understand that such improved catch basin technology overcomes the longstanding issues associated with spaces too small for workers to reach into to remove pieces of debris which become difficulty lodged. An additional aspect of the present disclosure is that it does not require further attachments, assemblies or supplemental pieces at the ingress, or for example, at the “curb” in a conventional city-type of sewer inlet. This feature is useful and enhances industrial efficiency.

Further, since many conventional, for example, metropolitan sewer systems, have many different locations needing to be improved, ready installation capacity, ease-of-use and transport/hatch make the teachings of the present invention attractive to users. It is also known to artisans how the solution offered by the instant teachings can have a ‘universal’ aspect, in it functions in conjunction, with—or is readily adaptable to many different related types of systems.

Finally, owing to the modularity of the components according to the instant teachings plethoric combinations and subcombinations are available. For example, for use with conventional metropolitan sewer systems those having a modicum of skill shall understand that at least one diverter is easily curb-mounted with most existing systems, as is a sieve member combination. Furthermore, the maintenance access hatch can be easily adapted and in/or installed into many existing types of catch basin filtration systems. Being modular provides for easy and facile transport/hatch, shipping, storage and related conveniences.

The present invention will be more clearly understood by reference to this specification in view of the accompanying drawings, in which:

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a schematic view of a catch basin insert having a sieve element and a diverter, according to one embodiment of the instant disclosure;

FIG. 2 is a schematic view of a sieve element, according to one embodiment of the instant disclosure;

FIGS. 3A through 3C are detailed schematic views of a maintenance access hatch, according to one embodiment of the instant disclosure;

FIG. 4 is a plan view of a catch basin insert having a sieve element and a diverter, according to one embodiment of the instant disclosure;

FIG. 5 is a view taken through Section A:A of the plan view of a catch basin insert having a sieve element and a diverter as shown in FIG. 4, according to one embodiment of the instant disclosure;

FIG. 6 is a view taken through Section B:B, according to embodiments of the instant disclosure;

FIG. 7 is a plan view of a sieve element support frame, according to one embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 8 is a view taken through Section A:A of the plan view of FIG. 7.

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of one embodiment of the disclosed apparatus, which embodiment is adapted for attachment to the inner walls of a street storm-water catch basin having a curb inlet opening and a left-located drain opening, as seen prior to the invention's installation.

FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a catch basin in which the embodiment seen in FIG. 9 is installed, showing only the part of the apparatus that is visible from this view, said part being the diverter (a portion of it visible through the curb inlet opening), and showing a manhole cover that is located directly above the catch basin's drain opening.

FIG. 11 is a top view of the embodiment in FIG. 1 after it has been installed, as seen through horizontal cross-sectional cut I-I.

FIG. 12 is a back view of the embodiment in FIG. 1 after it has been installed, as seen through vertical cross-sectional cut II-II.

FIG. 13 is a left side view of the embodiment in FIG. 1 after it has been installed, as seen through vertical cross-sectional cut III-III.

FIG. 14 is a close up top view of a portion of the embodiment in FIG. 1 after it has been installed, as seen through horizontal cross-sectional cut I-I, showing the filter hole cover in an open position.

FIG. 15 is a perspective view of a second embodiment of the invention apparatus, which embodiment is adapted for attachment to the inner walls of a catch basin having a curb inlet opening and center-located drain opening, as seen prior to the invention's installation.

FIG. 16 is a perspective view of a catch basin in which the embodiment seen in FIG. 15 is installed, showing only the part of the apparatus that is visible from this view, said part being the diverter (a portion of it visible through the curb inlet opening), and showing a manhole directly above the location of the catch basin's drain pipe opening.

FIG. 17 is a back view of the embodiment in FIG. 15 after it has been installed, as seen through vertical cross-sectional cut IV-IV.

FIG. 18 is a perspective view of another embodiment which is adapted for attachment to the inner walls of a catch basin having a top inlet opening and a left-located drain pipe opening, as seen prior to the invention's installation.

FIG. 19 is a perspective view of a catch basin in which the embodiment seen in FIG. 18 is installed, showing only the part of the apparatus that is visible in this view, said part being the diverter (a portion of it is visible through the top inlet opening, with the surface grate that normally covers the opening lifted above its normal position), and showing the top inlet opening being large enough to eliminate the need for a manhole.

FIG. 20 is a left side view of the embodiment in FIG. 10 after it has been installed, as seen through vertical cross-sectional cut V-V. (Note that “left” is defined herein to be left when viewing from the center of the street).

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The present inventor has discovered that it is possible to construct novel catch basin apparatus in an industrially efficient manner by understanding the fundamental structural aspects of existing systems including ways to maintain flow and collect detritus which allow for removal of pieces that block flow or clog outlet drains. Likewise, access hatch mechanisms which combined with diverters and screens are useful when processed for constructing and installing components that render such systems more utile are employed. For example, by combining a diverting mechanism and device with a maintenance access hatch and a screen insert or sieve element or member many of the outstanding issues with conventional sewer systems can be ameliorated.

The basic teachings of constructing a catch basin sieve element and anchoring the same in a desired orientation, and including ways to direct debris and facilitate its removal, have not heretofore been made commercially practical.

Referring to the drawings, FIG. 1 shows a general schematic view of a typical street based sewer assembly 100 with an associated catch basin structure. Such an arrangement is used in, for example, metropolitan and suburban areas for managing the flow of water and the debris which often becomes disposed within the same.

Maintenance access hatch 101 is an aperture through screen insert 102 enabling ready access to the area underneath screen insert 102. The screen insert is one, but not limited to, example of a type of sieve element. According to an embodiment of the instant disclosure a diameter of maintenance access hatch 101 may be equivalent to, greater than, or smaller than the diameter of outlet pipe 111. In further embodiments, the access hatch may be a cut-out, a lid, a door, a flap, an aperture with a covering, or any other structure which allows access through the sieve element and permits ingress and egress through the sieve element.

One embodiment includes a plurality of fixation mechanisms, for example, self drilling metal screws 105, which are spaced around the perimeter of screen insert/sieve element 102. For example, at 8 inch spaced intervals, along catch basin insert frame support/hatch, between proximate end of catch basin insert from 104.

Likewise, the distance between the distal edges of the catch basin insert 103, can be proportionate to the size of outlet pipe 111 diameter. In a typical example, as shown in the first two figures, the trash/debris diverter appurtenance 109 extends from proximate end of catch basin insert frame 104 at a sloped angle and it may be disposed at a first end of curb inlet 108.

Manhole cover 107 extends from the sidewalk 117 into a first reservoir space of the catch basin as shown in FIG. 2. Catch basin insert is disposed in typical street sewer assembly 100 and anchored by, for example, an adhesive apoxy anchor system (HILTI HIT RE 500) in combination with threaded rods, nuts and washers.

Referring still to FIG. 2 corner and cross member joints 110 may be welded at each corner for structural integrity, and height 112 varied to fit the desired subterranean space. In a typical example, the distance between screw inserts 113 spans a distance of at least about 16 inches and extends between self drilling metal screws.

FIGS. 3A, 3B, and 3C demonstrate one way that maintenance access hatch 101 is constructed and may be readily removed using eyebolt 114, as will be known to artisans. Maintenance access hatch cover 138 moves from a first position to a second position, as seen permitting ingress and egress.

Further embodiments include many different ways of constructing the maintenance access hatch and gaining access through the sieve element. In one embodiment, the access hatch is a cut-out of the sieve element. In another embodiment, the maintenance aces hatch is a door or flap within the sieve element. The present disclosure contemplates many structures for the maintenance access hatch located on a sieve element which permit ingress and egress through the hatch so that the user can access the area beneath the sieve element and/or the catch basin drain opening.

Referring now to the first view in FIG. 3A, for example, a 5 mm screen access hatch is removably fashioned with metal screws, a ¼ inch gap on top of a 2 inch steel angle using ¾ inch by 2 inch eyebolt 114. Likewise a ¾ nut with pressure washer and a flat washer for the ¼ inch gap 119 provides for the ability to remove the screen access hatch 101.

The second, or bottom view of maintenance access hatch 101 shows welded members 122 which abuttingly engage the bottom portion of rotatable leading edge 123 of maintenance access hatch 101. The third, top view, again shows eyebolt 114, which is opened to remove maintenance access hatch 101 by a 90° rotation.

Turning to FIG. 3B the aperture which is maintenance access hatch 101 is shown. In a typical construction according to the instant teachings, the diameter may be—for example, twelve inches across for a 5 mm screen insert. In an open position, maintenance hatch cover 138 has leading edge 123 aligned with its receptacle.

Turning to FIG. 3C, leading edge 123 on maintenance access hatch cover 138 rotates 90° to move to a closed position. Those skilled in the art readily understand the ease of removal of maintenance access cover 138 in an open position.

FIG. 4 is a plan view of screen insert/sieve element 102, showing maintenance hole aperture 115 which houses manhole cover 107, disposed proximate to self drilling metal screws around the perimeter of screen insert 102. Maintenance access batch 101 is arranged relative to a front side catch of catch basin opening 116, and sidewalk with trash/debris diverter appurtenance 109 disposal of opposite sidewalk 117, path of run-off water is shown by the single arrow and storm runoff by two arrows.

Turning to FIG. 5, a sectional view taken through A:A of FIG. 4 is shown. In this view front of catch basin opening 116 is shown adjacent curb face 118, with the direction of storm runoff indicated by two arrows, and outlet pipe 111 showing the direction of flow with one arrow.

Referring to FIG. 6, the view through section B:B of the prior two figures is offered for consideration. Outlet pipe 111 is shown revealing its dimensions relative to a first and of screen 102. Likewise shown in the respective location of each of manhole cover 107, and trash/debris diverter appurtenance 109.

FIG. 7 and FIG. 8 show a screen insert 102 in plan view with maintenance hole 115 and sidewalk 117. In one embodiment of the instant disclosure a spacing interval of, for example, seven feet extends from catch basin screen support/hatch frame 104 and includes a plurality of cross members 121.

FIG. 8 likewise shows a view through section A:A culling at screen insert/sieve element support/hatch frame 104. Unlike known systems, maintenance access hatch (not shown, but see FIG. 1-4 and 9, 11, 12-17, 19-20) provides for a unique ability to maintain flow and keep the catch basin apparatus functioning. In combination with a diverter, the present disclosure enables trash/debris/detritus to be sucked into a primary and supplemental container, which in combination with an access hatch, as discussed, makes removal of blockages easier.

FIGS. 9-14 show a first embodiment, referred to herein as a left-drain filter 21, as it would appear in an installation configuration but (as illustrated in FIG. 9) without being installed in any catch basin and (as illustrated in FIGS. 10-14) after being installed into a left-drain catch basin 22. The left-drain filter 21 is configured for installation into the left-drain catch basin 22, which has a floor 23 and a drain opening 24 in the left portion of the floor 23. The left-drain catch basin 22 is designed for fluid to enter through a curb-inlet opening 25 and to exit through the drain opening 24 located in the left portion of the catch basin.

FIGS. 14-17 show another alternate embodiment, referred to herein as a center-drain filter 26, as it would appear in its installation configuration but (as illustrated in FIG. 14) without being installed in any catch basin and (as illustrated in FIGS. 16-17) after being installed into a center-drain catch basin 27, which is designed for fluid to enter through the curb-inlet opening 25 and to exit through its drain opening 24 located in the central portion of the catch basin.

And, FIGS. 18-20 show a further alternate embodiment, referred to herein as a top-inlet filter 28, as it would appear in its installation configuration but (as illustrated in FIG. 18) without being installed in any catch basin and (as illustrated in FIGS. 19-20) after being installed into a top-inlet catch basin 29. The top-inlet filter 28 is configured for installation into the top-inlet catch basin 29, which is designed for fluid to enter through a top-inlet opening 210 and to exit through its drain opening 24 located, in this embodiment, in the back portion of the catch basin.

In FIGS. 10-14, 16-17, and 19-20, the installation environment is shown as comprising a street 211 connected to an inlet apron 212 and a gutter 213, with a curb 214 connecting the gutter to a sidewalk 215 support/hatched on an earthen foundation 216. The inlet apron 212 shown in FIGS. 19-20 is part of the catch basin, whereas the inlet apron 212 can, alternatively, be a separate piece as shown in FIGS. 10-14 and 16-17. However, all inlet aprons 212 shown in the accompanying figures receive fluid (and any trash carried with the fluid) from the street and the gutter, and direct the fluid (and trash) into the catch basin by sloping downwardly toward the catch basin inlet opening.

Although the apparatus can be adapted to accommodate catch basins with a different number of inner walls, each catch basin shown in the accompanying figures has four inner walls 217. Furthermore, alternate embodiments contemplate a sieve element which is not fixedly attached to the catch basin, but otherwise secured within the catch basin. The apparatus is shown installed in each of those catch basins by using angle-iron support/hatches 218 with support/hatch bolts 219 passing through bolt holes 220 in a flange of the support/hatch 218 and into anchors 221 that have been placed in three of the inner walls 217 if each catch basin. (It should be understood that, although the support/hatch bolts 219 and anchors 221 are shown only in FIG. 14, support/hatch bolt 219 and anchor 221 combinations are located approximately equally spaced apart along the flange of each installed support/hatch 218 that is in direct contact with an inner wall 217. Locations intended for said support/hatch bolt 219 and anchor 221 combinations are shown in the accompanying figures simply by showing the locations of the bolt holes 220 where practical to do so, on the scale of those figures. Due to the large quantity of them, only a few of the locations of the blot holes 220 are identified by reference number. It is believed that those skilled in the art understand or can readily determine the appropriate number and locations for the bolts and their anchors, and the size and other characteristics of them, for securing support/hatches within a catch basin.)

One exemplary implementation of a sieve element is a filter sheet 222. Filter sheets 222 can then rest upon the support/hatches (or may be secured by any conventional means such as screwing the filter sheets 222 into the support/hatches 218), with the plane of each filter sheet 222 located at a predetermined appropriate level above the floor 23 and oriented substantially parallel to the part of the floor 23 that is directly beneath the filter sheet 222. The appropriate level may provide at least enough clearance to permit a sufficient volume of fluid to flow along the floor 23 into the drain opening 24 to match the capacity of the drain opening 24. The capacity of the drain opening 24 is limited by such things as its size and the characteristics of the drain pipe 223 being used. The appropriate level also can be based on other criteria as desired by the user. Such other criteria may include factoring in the volume and quantity of trash that is likely to overflow and pass with the fluid into the space between the floor 23 and the one or more filter sheets 222. Of course, any conventional means may be used for support/hatching and securing the filter sheets 222 in their positions.

As best seen in FIGS. 9, 11, 12-15, and 18, the filter sheets 222 have a plurality of apertures 224 through them, so that fluid will pass through while trash will be retained for subsequent removal. (Note that due to the large quantity of them, only a few of the apertures 224 shown in the accompanying figures are identified by reference number. And, of course, the apertures 224 are to be distinguished from the circles shown on the support/hatches 218, which only illustrate that the support/hatch bolts 219 are located and may be equally spaced apart along the vertical flange of the support/hatches 218.) The size and shape, pattern, combination and other selectable features for the apertures 224 are contemplated by the present invention as being optional to the user, depending on the particular results he or she may desire. It is believed, however, that apertures 224 ranging in size (measured as the smallest dimension across the opening) from ¼ inch to 1½ inches work well for blocking the passage of trash into municipal street storm-water catch basins. Of course, larger or smaller apertures, or combinations of apertures, may be used without departing from the present invention.

Another exemplary implement of a sieve element is a filter sheet 222 having an overflow wall 225. FIG. 1 shows an overflow wall 225 and a curb-inlet diverter 226. As shown, the curb-inlet diverter 226 comprises two sheets secured together at right angles (by, for example, using screws to secure one edge of one sheet to one flange on a section of angle iron and to secure one edge of the other sheet to the other flange). When installed into the left-drain catch basin 22, the curb-inlet diverter 226 is oriented to form a channel that diverts incoming fluid and trash to the filter side of the overflow wall 225 (which is the side opposite the overflow area 228). As seen in FIG. 2, the curb-inlet diverter 226 is located against the inner wall 217 on the front side of the left-drain catch basin 22, generally by securing it in a manner similar to the one used for securing the filter sheets. And, the curb-inlet diverter 226 is the only part of the left-drain filter 21 that might be easily seen from the street 211. In one embodiment, the location for the curb-inlet diverter 226 is at or near the upstream end of the catch basin. Also, as is shown by a close look at FIGS. 19-10, 12, and 15-17, the curb-inlet diverter 226 is sloped slightly downwardly as it extends toward the filter side of the overflow wall 225, which helps keep the diverter clear of accumulated trash. Of course, the degree of the slope can, in other embodiments, vary depending on anticipated flow conditions and other criteria, as desired by the user. Furthermore, the diverter may or may not be attached to the sieve element. Note further, that the overflow wall 225 and the curb-inlet diverter 226 may be made of the same material as the filter sheets or sieve elements are made of, with apertures, so that the filtering process can occur at the diverter and overflow wall as well as at the filter sheets. Again, however, other embodiments may utilize other materials for construction of the overflow wall and/or the diverter without departing from the present invention.

FIG. 11 looks down through sectional cut I-I, which is a substantially horizontal cut immediately below the inside ceiling 227 of the left-drain catch basin 22. In FIG. 11, the curb-inlet diverter 226 is seen as being secured to the inner walls 217 on the front and right sides of the left-drain catch basin 22. The space between the overflow wall 225 and the inner wall 217 on the right side of the catch basin forms an overflow area 228, into which fluid and trash can overflow from the filter side of the overflow wall 225 when the capacity of the filter is exceeded. Under those circumstances, as seen in FIGS. 12, 13, and 14, overflowing fluid and trash are able to flow along the floor 23 beneath the filter sheets 222 and enter the drain pipe 223.

FIG. 11 also illustrates the large area coverage of the filter sheets 222, which, in one embodiment, form a snug fit to the inner walls 217 on the front, left, and back sides of the catch basin. In this embodiment the filter sheets 222 are bounded by the three inner walls 217 and the overflow wall 225 and may cover approximately 80 percent of the floor 23, thereby providing a very large filtering and holding capacity. Although no top view of the other embodiments, which are the subject of FIGS. 15-20, is shown, FIG. 11 is illustrative of the capacity of the other embodiments provide by also having filter sheets 222 fully cover the floor area on the filter side of the overflow wall 225. Of course, additional embodiments not specifically described or shown herein may cover different portions of the floor area without departing from the present invention.

FIG. 11 also shows a filter hole cover 229 in its closed position, which filter hole cover 229 has a pivot bolt 230 and a handle 231 to facilitate rotation of the filter hole cover 229 into its open position to expose a filter hole 232, as illustrated in FIG. 14. In one embodiment, the filter hole 232 is directly above the drain opening 24, where the drain pipe 223 commences. A filter hole is only one example of a configuration of the maintenance access hatch. An embodiment having the filter hole 232 is preferable to an embodiment not having them, since the drain pipe 223 must occasionally be accessed and cleaned. To do this, maintenance personnel generally must gain access to the drain pipe 223 by removing the manhole cover 233 and introducing clean out equipment into the catch basin through the manhole 234. If there is a filter hole 232 and filter hole cover 229, maintenance personnel can easily access the drain pipe 223 by moving the filter hole cover 229 to an open position, whereas they would otherwise generally need to move an entire filter sheet 222. In one embodiment, the filter hole cover is movably connected to the container bottom, covers the filter hole, and can be moved by human power to uncover the filter hole enough to enable the clean-out equipment to be inserted through the filter hole and into the drain opening.

In one embodiment, the filter hole 232 and the manhole 234 are located directly above the drain opening 24. Although, the other embodiments described or shown herein also have filter holes 232 covered by filter hole covers 229, additional embodiments may have multiple filter holes or no filter hole at all, or may have the filter hole(s) located elsewhere within the catch basin, have no filter hole cover, or have any combination thereof, without departing from the present invention.

As seen in FIGS. 15-17, the center-drain filter 26 is quite similar to the left-drain filter 21. The difference lies in the fact that the center-drain filter 26 is adapted for installation into the center-drain catch basin 27 rather than the left-drain catch basin 22. For such adaptation, the center-drain filter 26 has its lowest point located over the centrally located drain opening 24, with one or more filter sheets 222 added on the left side of the drain opening 24, with one or more filter sheets 222 added on the left side of the drain opening 24. In one embodiment, the added filter sheets slope upward, substantially parallel to the slope of the floor 23, until they reach the inner wall 217 at the left end of the center-drain catch basin 27.

The top-inlet filter 28, as shown in FIGS. 18 and 19 has a top-inlet diverter 235 rather than a curb-inlet diverter 226. The top-inlet diverter 235 may extend from the inner wall 217 at the front of the top-inlet catch basin 29, inwardly into the top-inlet catch basin 29 while down sloping modestly to end at a point on the filter side of the overflow wall 225. (A 2 percent to 20 percent down slope is believed advantageous, but the present invention encompasses milder and steeper down slopes that may be deemed more suitable by the user.) In one embodiment, the top-inlet diverter 235 also extends laterally to cover the entire overflow area 228, with the top-inlet diverter 235 reaching several inches beyond the overflow wall 225 to help assure trash is not allowed to directly enter the overflow area 228. The top-inlet diverter 235 also is shown as being separated vertically from the top of the overflow wall 225 to provide sufficient space between the top-inlet diverter 235 and the overflow wall 225 for fluid and trash to overflow the top-inlet filter 28 via the overflow wall 225 without significant impediment by the top-inlet diverter 235.

Like the curb-inlet diverter 226, the top-inlet diverter 235 works to divert incoming trash away from the overflow area 228 to the filter side of the overflow wall 225. Also, the top-inlet diverter 235 of an embodiment is made using the same material, with apertures, as is used for making the filter sheets 222, so that the filtering process begins as the entering fluid and trash impact the top-inlet diverter 235. (The same preference for use of material with apertures applies to the overflow wall and the diverter in other embodiments. For example, this preference is discussed and applied above with respect to the left-drain filter 21, shown in FIGS. 9-14, and is also intended to apply to the center-drain filter 26, shown in FIGS. 15-17.

As shown in FIGS. 19 and 20, a large surface grate 236 can be located in the top-inlet opening 210, within the street environment, to facilitate handling large volumes of fluid and to allow access by maintenance personnel into the top-inlet catch basin 29 without need for a manhole.

The support/hatches 218, filter sheets 222, the other parts of the apparatus, and the means for connecting them together and securing them to the inner walls 217 are, in an embodiment, made of hot dipped galvanized steel, although they can be made of any other conventional material that is strong and durable in the presence of the fluids reasonably expected to pass through the catch basin in which they are installed, with due consideration to the potential for corrosion and/or electrolytes particularly when using more than one type of metal in the construction of the apparatus. Such other conventional materials include stainless steel, aluminum, plastics, carbon fibers, and composites. The means for connecting the parts of the apparatus to one another or to the catch basin can be any conventional connecting means such as, without limitation, bolts, screws, welds, clamps, and/or adhesives.

The support/hatches 218 shown herein as angle irons may be installed with the vertical side of the angle iron pointed up or down. The accompanying figures show the vertical side point up on the support/hatches 218 used to support/hatch the filter sheets 222. Nevertheless, an alternative embodiment with the vertical side of the support/hatches 218 pointing down would appear advantageous in order to cause less interference between the support/hatch bolts 219 and the filter sheets 222. (A sample of this alternative orientation of the vertical side of the support/hatches is found in the curb-inlet diverter 226 shown in FIGS. 1, 3-5, 7 and 9, which has the vertical side of the support/hatches 18 pointing down.)

Of course, catch basins may have designs with such things as their size, shape, and/or orientation, or the location, number, and/or size of their inlet openings or drain openings being different from any of those described or shown herein. It should be understood, however, that the present invention contemplates and includes all conventional adjustments in the embodiments described or shown herein (including such adjustments in the size, orientation, portions, and relative positioning of parts) made to accommodate those differences in catch basin designs. For example, an alternative catch basin design may provide a shelf, ledge, or groove, or combination thereof, built into one or more of its inner walls as a resting place for the support/hatches or even for the filter sheets without support/hatches. An embodiment adapted for installation in such a catch basin design could be made with reduced, or without any, use of other means (such as the support/hatch bolt/anchor combinations) for securing the support/hatches and/or filter sheets, without departing from the present invention.

While the apparatus and method have been described in terms of what are presently considered to be the most practical and preferred embodiments, it is to be understood that the disclosure need not be limited to the disclosed embodiments. It is intended to cover various modifications and similar arrangements included within the spirit and scope of the claims, the scope of which should be accorded the broadest interpretation so as to encompass all such modifications and similar structures. The present disclosure includes any and all embodiments of the following claims. 

1. An enhanced catch basin filtration system comprising: a sieve element located within said catch basin, wherein said sieve element maintains a flow path from a gutter/curb inlet to a downstream outlet pipe, wherein the mouth of said downstream outlet pipe is located within the catch basin; and at least one maintenance access hatch located within said sieve member.
 2. The enhanced catch basin filtration system of claim 1, wherein said sieve element is fixedly attached to the inner walls of said catch basin.
 3. The enhanced catch basin filtration system of claim 2, wherein said sieve element is a rectangular frame.
 4. The enhanced catch basin filtration system of claim 2, wherein said sieve element is a basket or container with a perforated bottom.
 5. The enhanced catch basin filtration system of claim 2, wherein said maintenance access hatch: is defined as a lid, covering, a cut-out, a door, a flap, an aperture with a covering, or any structure which allows access through the sieve element/permitting ingress and egress through the sieve element.
 6. The enhanced catch basin filtration system of claim 2, wherein said sieve element has an overflow wall.
 7. The enhanced catch basin filtration system of claim 1, wherein said sieve element is a rectangular frame.
 8. The enhanced catch basin filtration system of claim 1, wherein said sieve element is a basket or container with a perforated bottom.
 9. The enhanced catch basin filtration system of claim 1, wherein said sieve element has an overflow wall.
 10. The enhanced catch basin filtration system of claim 1, wherein said maintenance access hatch: is defined as a lid, covering, a cut-out, a door, a flap, an aperture with a covering, or any structure which allows access through the sieve element/permitting ingress and egress through the sieve element.
 11. The enhanced catch basin filtration system of claim 10, wherein said maintenance access hatch allows a user to access the area underneath said sieve element.
 12. The enhanced catch basin filtration system of claim 11, further comprising a manhole located on the street surface, above the catch basin curb inlet.
 13. The enhanced catch basin filtration system of claim 12, wherein said manhole, maintenance access hatch, and said mouth are located and aligned such that a user can access said area underneath said sieve element from said manhole.
 14. The enhanced catch basin filtration system of claim 10, wherein said maintenance access hatch is located directly above said mouth and allows access to said mouth from said access hatch.
 15. The enhanced catch basin filtration system of claim 14, wherein said further comprising a manhole on the street surface, on top of the catch basin curb inlet.
 16. The enhanced catch basin filtration system of claim 15, wherein said manhole, maintenance access hatch, and mouth are located and aligned such that a user can access said mouth from said manhole.
 17. The enhanced catch basin filtration system of claim 1, further comprising a trash/debris/detritus diverter appurtenance disposed adjacent a street gutter inlet which directs matter into said sieve element.
 18. The enhanced catch basin filtration system of claim 17, wherein said trash/debris/detritus diverter appurtenance further filters matter entering the street gutter.
 19. The enhanced catch basin filtration system of claim 1 further comprising at least one additional sieve member for additional filtration.
 20. A process for constructing a catch basin filtration system within a conventional sewer system defined by a street based inlet and an outlet drainage below the street level comprising the steps of: providing a sieve element having a maintenance access hatch therein; attaching the sieve-element to the inner walls of said catch basin; and attaching a diverter assembly proximate to the street based inlet so that said diverter directs incoming matter from said inlet to said sieve element.
 21. A product, provided by the process of claim
 20. 22. A method for providing a continuous flow path with enhanced catch basin apparatus, comprising: diverting selected portions of incoming matter into a collection area; collecting incoming streams of large pieces of matter in a primary collection area; opening/removing/manipulating a maintenance access hatch so that the user can remove the desired portions of incoming matter; and repeating the preceding steps.
 23. An apparatus for providing access to debris blocking a drain outlet in a catch basin system, comprising: a sieve element located within said catch basin, wherein said sieve element is located between a curb inlet and said drain outlet; a maintenance access hatch located within said sieve element, wherein said maintenance access hatch is manipulable so that a user can access the debris blocking said drain outlet.
 24. In a catch basin for selectively removing gross particulate matter of a predetermined dimension from a flow path, wherein said flow path travels from a curb inlet to a drain opening located within the catch basin, the improvement comprising: a sieve element located within said catch basin and above the catch basin floor, wherein said sieve element filters matter from said flow path, and wherein said sieve-element further comprises a maintenance access hatch; through which a user can manipulate said maintenance access hatch in order to access said catch basin floor and/or said drain opening.
 25. The enhanced catch basin filtration system of claim 2, wherein the maintenance access hatch is sized large enough to allow for maintenance and cleaning equipment to reach through the hatch.
 26. The enhanced catch basin filtration system of claim 1, wherein the maintenance access hatch is sized large enough to allow for maintenance and cleaning equipment to reach through the hatch. 